1995 Mazda Protege
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
Vehicles › Mazda › Protege › 1995
These records cover every 1995 Mazda Protege. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
5 recalls name the 1995 Mazda Protege. Newest first.
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain model year 1989-1998 MPV, 1990-1995 323, 1990-1998 Protege, 1992-1993 MX-3, 1993-1995 929, 1993-1997 MX-6, and 1993-1998 626 vehicles. In the affected vehicles, grease applied to the contact points inside the ignition switch may become conductive and overheat.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the ignition switch overheats there would be an increased risk of a fire.
Remedy
Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. The recall began on December 17, 2015. Owners may contact Mazda Customer Experience Center at 1-800-222-5500, option#6. Mazda's number for this recall is 8715J.
Sabersport IS recalling 16,270 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. these headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. the safety recall began on may 11, 2009. owners may contact sabersport at 1-909-598-7589.
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. the headlight lead wire running through the turn signal lever can fail at the soldered connection to the headlight switch.
Risk and remedy
Risk
The failure of the wire connection can cause a loss of headlights without prior warning.
Remedy
Dealers will repair the headlight switch.
The tie down hooks can cause undercarriage impacts that can result in unnecessary air bag deployments.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Inadvertent air bag deployment can cause injury to the occupants and increase the potential for a vehicle accident.
Remedy
Dealers will remove and replace the tie down hooks with modified tie down hooks.
The wire rod used in the manufacture of the engine valve springs can develop minute cracks causing breakage of the springs.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This breakage can cause engine chatter, damage to the engine pistons, and cause the engine to stall increasing the potential for an accident.
Remedy
Dealers will replace all sixteen (16) valve springs in the engine of the affected vehicles.
Owner complaints
165 complaints31 involved a crash4 involved a fire58 injuries1 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Air bags · Engine
The air bags exploded while I was out side the car , there was a recall on the air bags & I was never notified by either mazda corp or the dealer & I have been the original owner , there has been numerous recalls on the 1995 protege & at no time I was ever contacted that there was a recall…
The air bags exploded while I was out side the car , there was a recall on the air bags & I was never notified by either mazda corp or the dealer & I have been the original owner , there has been numerous recalls on the 1995 protege & at no time I was ever contacted that there was a recall period. In 1997 the engine died & I had to pay the sum of $1500.00 to replace the engine & there were recalls I received no notification of. I contacted both mazda of north america & the dealer plaza auto mall where I purchased the car in 1995 & both refused my request to address this matter. the vehicle was inspected, and it was determined the air bags deployed, due to corrosion. updated 08/27/14
- Air bags
I was out of the car & both air bags exploded , there was a recall on the air bags , but I was never informed by mazda corp ,i became aware of the recall after the air bags exploded. *js
- Power train › Automatic transmission
1995 mazda protege automatic transmission failure. *tr
- Air bags › Frontal
TL* - the contact had a 1995 mazda protege which was in a head on crash. The contact stated that the car was traveling at 55 mph under dry conditions when the vehicle was struck by another head on. The contact stated that the driver side air bag did not deploy and as a result the driver was…
TL* - the contact had a 1995 mazda protege which was in a head on crash. The contact stated that the car was traveling at 55 mph under dry conditions when the vehicle was struck by another head on. The contact stated that the driver side air bag did not deploy and as a result the driver was killed. That contact stated that there weren't any skid marks in the road to indicate that either vehicle tried to stop. The contact stated that she has a police report from the crash. the contact has the steering section of the vehicle with the air bag. *nm the decedents grandmother wrote in. Updated 02/26/07.*jb
- Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Rear window
At 5000 miles the rear defrost did not work. in the winter it IS difficult to see out the back window. it was not fixed because the car was out of warranty and mazda would not repair. *nm
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Pedals and linkages · Vehicle speed control › Accelerator pedal
My 1995 mazda protege has the gas and brake petals so close in height and little separation that it IS very easy to apply the brake and still be applying the gas. I have not had an accident yet but have had some very near misses. *nm
- Exterior lighting › Headlights › Switch
While driving headlight switch works intermittently. Consumer IS still having the same problems after repair of recall 91007. dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. *Ak
- Air bags › Frontal
Driver was hit from behind while sitting at an intersection ,then pushed into a parked vehicle. Left front air bag did not deploy. driver sustained minor injuries, and did not seek medical attention. Vehicle was towed, and totaled by the insurance company. *ak
- Exterior lighting › Headlights › Switch
This IS a repeat of nhtsa campaign ID number : 00v118000. I had the car repaired at the mazda dealership in year 2000 under the previous recall. 1 month ago the headlights stop working due to a broken wire in the headlight switch assembly. The ground wire broke its solder connection at the base of…
This IS a repeat of nhtsa campaign ID number : 00v118000. I had the car repaired at the mazda dealership in year 2000 under the previous recall. 1 month ago the headlights stop working due to a broken wire in the headlight switch assembly. The ground wire broke its solder connection at the base of the switch. I have dissaembled the switch and connect a temporary ground wire to the base of the switch. There IS something wrong with the engineering of this switch assembly if it happens again!
- Air bags
1995 mazda protege. both airbags deployed when my daughter hit a curb. no other damage was evident. tires and rims had no damage. The bags should not have deployed. Recall 95v184000 describes problem with inadvertent air bag deployment on this vehicle. mazda claims that my daughters vehicle was…
1995 mazda protege. both airbags deployed when my daughter hit a curb. no other damage was evident. tires and rims had no damage. The bags should not have deployed. Recall 95v184000 describes problem with inadvertent air bag deployment on this vehicle. mazda claims that my daughters vehicle was fixed in 1995. This undercarriage impact caused the bags to deploy hurting my daughter and the passenger side bag door cracked the windshield. Very expensive items to fix for no reason. *jb
- Vehicle speed control › Cruise control
The consumer was driving with the cruise control engaged, he applied the brake pedal(3 times), but the cruise control failed to disengage, which resulted in the consumer's vehicle colliding with another vehicle. the dealer diagnosed the cause as a faulty cruise control motor. *ak *scc *jb
- Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system
Rear defrost switch failed for the second time. per my knowledge, this IS a common problem with 1995 mazda protege and IS a part of tsb. this causes poor visibility and might cause an accident while driving on freeway. *ak
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Transmission failed at 60128 miles. this occurred while I was passing another vehicle which made it a safety issue. Luckily the vehicle that I was passing decided to speed up so that I could get back into my lane before another vehicle came along which would have ended up in a head on collision. *nlm
- Equipment › Appliance › Air conditioner
1995 mazda protege >180000 mi. >During this time the dealer has installed (3) air conditioner compressors approximately one for every 60000 mi. At over $1000 apiece> it IS now in the shop with an expected bill of $1200.00. *nlm
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Engine failure as described in recall number 95 v 0 3 3000. Called mazda at 1-800-222-5500 on march 03, 2003, but was told that my vehicle identification number IS not in their recall list. However, they were notified. *Jb
- Exterior lighting › Headlights › Switch
Headlight switch was recalled and replaced. replacement switch failed: headlights went off when turn signal was used. replaced again. now taillights and dash lights are shorting out. may be due to switch again. dealer unable to fix.
- Engine and engine cooling
Consumer stated having the same problem as recall#95v033000 engine. Dealer will not repair because vin number IS not included. Dealer notified. Ts
- Exterior lighting › Headlights › Switch
Prior to recall oov118 consumer had the headlight switch fixed. consumer sent in proof of repair but mazda will not honor. *Jg
- Exterior lighting › Headlights › Switch
Consumer took vehicle to dealer for recall repairs, 00v118, however after repairs the headlights would go out when the directionals were used, consumer took vehicle back, in which the dealer replaced the combo switch, however charged consumer for repairs, consumer IS waiting for reimbursement. *slc
- Air bags › Frontal
Consumer's vehicle been involved in a frontal collision with a truck and neither air bag deployed. Feel free to provide any further information.*ak
- Electrical system › Wiring › Interior/under dash
While driving down a bypass vehicle caught on fire in dashboard. vehicle currently being checked by dealer.*ak
- Electrical system › Wiring
Fire in engine compartment. need to know if there are any other fire related problems. *Ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline · Exterior lighting › Turn signal › Switch
When using turn signal to go left or right in hot weather conditions engine will die. Took vehicle to dealer, and they will only replace turn signal. *ak
- Electrical system › Wiring › Fuses and circuit breakers · Exterior lighting › Turn signal › Switch
Headlights would come on when using turn signal. Dealer contacted. Feel free to provide any further information.*ak
- Unknown or other
Engine light stays on constantly. took vehicle to dealer, and they corrected problem. please provide any further information.*ak
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Headlight wire breakage
In its letter dated april 21, 2000, mazda stated that it will conduct a safety recall of approximately 79,000 model year 1995 and 1996 mazda protege vehicles built from june 1994 through july 1995.mazda dealers will repair the headlight switch assemble
- Loss of headlights
Based on the review of mazda's investigation and testing, examination of two failed field units (a headlight switch and a combination switch), and telephone interviews of several complainants, it appears that the headlight lead wire which IS attached to and located just below the turn signal lever, can be stressed…
Based on the review of mazda's investigation and testing, examination of two failed field units (a headlight switch and a combination switch), and telephone interviews of several complainants, it appears that the headlight lead wire which IS attached to and located just below the turn signal lever, can be stressed from cycling the turn signal lever and result in fatigue breakage of the wire.complaints stated that the headlights went off duringoperation in model year (my) 1995 protege vehicles when using the turn signal and/or while just driving (e.g., going over a small bump).several complainants contacted by odi stated that sometimes the headlights did not come back on after going off until the driver successfully jiggled the turn signal lever or the headlight wire harnes (i.e., re-make electrical connection of a partially broken wire).permanent loss of headlights can occur when the wire IS completely broken.in july 1995, about the start of my 1996 production, mazda changed the material of the headlight lead wire to increase durability.no similar complaints on my 1996 protege vehicles have been reported to odi or mazda.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10213425Speedometer replacement procedure
- 10154879In support of the new MRT distribution, Mazda will ship to dealers a new Dual Purpose Diagnostic Leak Detector beginning March, 2019. Training videos will be posted to MGSS shortly and Workshop Manual procedures will be revised gradually.
- 10153339In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. NOTE: Tampering with a motor vehicle odometer is strictly prohibited by Federal, and State laws. It is the dealer's responsibility to comply with Federal, State, and local laws concerning odometer and related documentation requirements when providing a repair or replacement. Mazda vehicles are manufactured with tamper-proof speedometers. When a speedometer is replaced, the new speedometer will read zero (0) miles. This procedure is extremely important to accurately represent actual vehicle mileage. Prior to speedometer removal, complete the information required on the "Speedometer Replacement Label". Labels can only be ordered through Mazda eStore. In an effort to achieve a higher level of Customer Experience and retain the value of Mazda's vehicles, MNAO Warranty Operations is allowing all Mazda dealers to utilize a third party, SPECMO Enterprises, Inc., for Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) odometer setting service. With the use of SPECMO's services, it is possible that the odometer will be set between 10 to 31 miles over the odometer mileage at the time of replacement for both warranty and customer pay repairs. Please make sure that the customer is aware that there may be a slight variance to the odometer, in which case the customer may have to accept the slightly higher mileage. Since odometer setting service is not part of the warranty repair, it is not warrantable nor required, but optional. However, Mazda Warranty policy provides after-warranty assistance (AWA) or DSA that can be utilized to cover this service expense.
- 10148072In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. NOTE: Tampering with a motor vehicle odometer is strictly prohibited by Federal, and State laws. It is the dealer's responsibility to comply with Federal, State, and local laws concerning odometer and related documentation requirements when providing a repair or replacement. Mazda vehicles are manufactured with tamper-proof speedometers. When a speedometer is replaced, the new speedometer will read zero (0) miles. This procedure is extremely important to accurately represent actual vehicle mileage. Prior to speedometer removal, complete the information required on the "Speedometer Replacement Label". Labels can only be ordered through Mazda eStore. In an effort to achieve a higher level of Customer Experience and retain the value of Mazda's vehicles, MNAO Warranty Operations is allowing all Mazda dealers to utilize a third party, SPECMO Enterprises, Inc., for Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) odometer setting service. With the use of SPECMO's services, it is possible that the odometer will be set between 10 to 31 miles over the odometer mileage at the time of replacement for both warranty and customer pay repairs. Please make sure that the customer is aware that there may be a slight variance to the odometer, in which case the customer may have to accept the slightly higher mileage. Since odometer setting service is not part of the warranty repair, it is not warrantable nor required, but optional. However, Mazda Warranty policy provides after- warranty assistance (AWA) or DSA that can be utilized to cover this service expense.
- 10144333In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. NOTE: Tampering with a motor vehicle odometer is strictly prohibited by Federal, and State laws. It is the dealer's responsibility to comply with Federal, State, and local laws concerning odometer and related documentation requirements when providing a repair or replacement. Mazda vehicles are manufactured with tamper-proof speedometers. When a speedometer is replaced, the new speedometer will read zero (0) miles. This procedure is extremely important to accurately represent actual vehicle mileage. Prior to speedometer removal, complete the information required on the "Speedometer Replacement Label". Labels can only be ordered through Mazda eStore. In an effort to achieve a higher level of Customer Experience and retain the value of Mazda's vehicles, MNAO Warranty Operations is allowing all Mazda dealers to utilize a third party, SPECMO Enterprises, Inc., for Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) odometer setting service. With the use of SPECMO's services, it is possible that the odometer will be set between 10 to 31 miles over the odometer mileage at the time of replacement for both warranty and customer pay repairs. Please make sure that the customer is aware that there may be a slight variance to the odometer, in which case the customer may have to accept the slightly higher mileage. Since odometer setting service is not part of the warranty repair, it is not warrantable nor required, but optional. However, Mazda Warranty policy provides after-warranty assistance (AWA) or DSA that can be utilized to cover this service expense.
- 10118467In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. NOTE: Tampering with a motor vehicle odometer is strictly prohibited by Federal, and State laws. It is the dealer?s responsibility to comply with Federal, State, and local laws concerning odometerand related documentation requirements when providing a repair or replacement. Mazda vehicles are manufactured with tamper-proof speedometers. When a speedometer is replaced, the new speedometer will read zero (0) miles. This procedure is extremely important to accurately represent actual vehicle mileage. Prior to speedometer removal, complete the information required on the ?SpeedometerReplacement Label?.Labels can only be ordered through Mazda eStore. In an effort to achieve a higher level of Customer Experience and retain the value of Mazda?s vehicles, MNAO Warranty Operations is allowing all Mazda dealers to utilize a third party, SPECMO Enterprises, Inc., for Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) odometer setting service.With the use of SPECMO?s services, a Mazda dealer can get the odometer setting updated to reflect the correct mileage at the time of replacement for both warranty and customer pay repairs, therefore resulting in a higher level of customer satisfaction. Since odometer setting service is not part of the warranty repair, it is not warrantable nor required, but optional. However, Mazda Warranty policy provides after- warranty assistance (AWA) or DSA that can be utilized to cover this service expense.
- 10098367In accordance with federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer.note:mazda vehicles are manufactured with tamper-proof speedometers.when a speedometer IS replaced, the new speedometer will read zero (0) miles.this procedure IS extremely important to accurately represent actual vehicle mileage.prior to speedometer removal, complete the information required on the speedometer replace-ment label. Labels can only be ordered through mstore, not mdcs.
- 10086521Due to differences in the 1995-1998 protg ignition switch design, the repair procedure and warranty information for recall 8715j has been updated.
- 10021000Non genuine accessories affect air bag operation.
- 10009427Battery test procedure requirements.
- 10009424Speedometer replacement procedure.
- 6092410Some vehicles may exhibit erratic shifting, o/d off indicator light flashing with malfunction indicator lamp on as a result of the valve body harness (transaxle fluid temperature sensor circuit) being pinched by a metal clip which IS attached to the transmission control valve body, causing a short / open circuit.
- 614908On some vehicles within certain vins, the door key cylinder flap may break allowing a piece(s) of the flap to enter the cylinder thereby making it difficult to insert the key and causing key rotation to stick.
- 614902This bulletin explains camber adjustment procedures.
- 609953Some vehicles may exhibit the air conditioning (a/c) system inoperative with the malfunction indicator lamp (mil) on.
- 608126Subject regarding paint damage - iron particles / industrial fallout / acid rain.
- 607902Concerns with door key which IS difficult to insert and / or rotate.
- 605988Experiencing popping noise from front brake caliper during slow speed braking.
- 603992Automatic transaxle selector lever IS difficult to operate.
- 603909Concerns regarding the hearter not working effieciently or engine takes too ling to warm-up.
- 603908Experiencing poor engine performance.
- 603898Conditions with the shift lever movement may be stiff when moving through all gear ranges.
- 603891Conditions with steering wheel slightly off center.
- 603890Information regarding a/t selector lever hard to operate.
- 603883Concerns with manual control door mirror not adjustable.
- 603882Subject on passive seat belt retractor switch.
- 603875Subject pertaining to tach needle which IS stuck on wrong side of stopper pin.
- 603854Information regarding seat belt extenders.
- 600334Complaints of tach needle stuck on wrong side of stopper pin.
- 54319Pre-painting preparations for front and rear bumpers.
- 54318Subject pertaining to mtx overhaul information.
- 54218Under certain load and rpm ranges excessive noise may be in generated in the egr boost sensor circuit causing dtc p0400 to be set.
- 54213Condition with interior light does not illuminate.
- 52994Concerns of rattling or buzzing noises in the front of vehicles.
- 52993Customers complaining of mil lamp illumination.
- 52521Supplemental diagnostic procedures for mil illumination.
- 52520Parts replacement after airbag deployment.
- 52514Interior light does not illuminate.
- 52509Tach needle stuck on wrong side of stopper pin.
- 52506Center armrest latch support reinforcement installation.
Every Mazda Protege model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.